Carroll nomination roundly praised

Tuesday

Nov 30, 2010 at 3:15 AM

By BEA LEWIS

CONCORD — Jim Carroll's fair and honest approach, along with the respect of his colleagues and the public, were cited repeatedly as the Executive Council heard testimony in connection with his nomination to head the Laconia District Court.

Carroll, 63, appeared before the Executive Council Monday night concerning Gov. John Lynch's decision to nominate Carroll to be the presiding justice of the Laconia District Court.

Witnesses gave high praise, both for his legal abilities and his commitment to the community.

Carroll, who is currently Belknap County Attorney, has practiced law since 1987, the year he graduated from Franklin Pierce Law School.

The Executive Council is expected to voted on Carroll's nomination during its Dec. 8 meeting.

"The staff all know him and really love working with him," said Laconia District Court Clerk Diane Lane.

Confident Carroll would be confirmed, she conceded she had already ordered a name plate for the bench.

If approved, Carroll would fill the position last held by Judge David O. Huot who served more than 29 years as Laconia District Court Judge.

Appearing before the council, Carroll said it was an honor to be nominated, adding it was "an extraordinarily humbling experience."

He recounted he had married his high school sweetheart, and from 1970 to 1986 ran the Windmill Restaurant in Laconia. He later applied to law school, and recounted he studied between frying clams and flipping steaks.

In 1992 he became Laconia police prosecutor, a position he held for 10 years.

In 2006 he successfully ran for Belknap County Attorney.

He told the council he has never avoided the hard cases, and has both prosecuted and defended those accused of negligent homicide, sexual assault and robbery.

"I have led a life of respect for others, and that will continue if I am named to the bench. I believe I can make the right and hard decisions and that both parties will feel fairly and accurately treated.

"I am honored by the nomination and humbled by the opportunity to judge my fellow citizens," he added.

Local trial lawyer Robert Hemeon cited Carroll's commitment to the community, including his work on behalf of starting the Teen Center following the Robbie Mills murder.

Former Mayor and current City Councilor Matt Lahey told the councilors he believes Carroll is the most respected person in Laconia.

"I don't know how many nominees come in with hundreds of jury trials that they have both defended and prosecuted. He is certainly fit to hold this important position," said Lahey, who is also an attorney.

Laconia resident Lori Groleau said Carroll was the most decent, honorable and humble person she had ever met. "What sets him apart is his ability to follow through. Simply put, Jim gets it done. His work ethic is legendary.

Judie Reever, a longtime member of the Laconia School Board, characterized Carroll as a problem-solver and a listener who always wanted to understand a situation before passing judgment.

Belknap County Sheriff Craig Wiggin noted Carroll was an admirable and capable defense attorney. "Fortunately he became a prosecutor shortly thereafter," Wiggin said, injecting a note of humor before turning serious and adding, "I can't think of a person better suited to be the justice in the Laconia District Court."

No one spoke in opposition to Carroll's nomination.

The public hearings on judicial nominations had been scheduled to begin 3 p.m. But because of an earlier hearing into the removal of Banking Commissioner Peter Hildreth, the judicial hearings did not begin until around 6 p.m. and Carroll's hearing did not get under way until close to 9:30 p.m.